DAVID S. LEE AND CURTIS SMALLING ’s

he mountain region of North Carolina warmer and dryer period that the region is now experiencing (North American Conservation is one of near maximum deglaciation and has been in Initiative region 28) has many distinctive existence for only about the last 500 years. Thus, bird biotic features resulting from the moist, communities that we consider in the Southeast to be montane cooler climate of high and mid-elevations. are actually relicts from the Pleistocene and recent period, This characteristic of the region has a when they were the dominant throughout the Tpronounced influence on the region’s bird life, in that many Southeast. While these distinctive features of the North nesting species abound whose centers of distribution are in Carolina are currently linked to species of the and . Of particular interest are the boreal and transition of northern , this endemic taxa that nest in the mountains. An excellent review pattern of distribution is actually very recent. These are in fact of the area’s bird life is provided by M. B. Simpson, Jr. (1992, southeastern species that have invaded the northern portion of the , University of North of the in the wake of retreating glaciers. The Carolina Press). and coastal fauna are the recent invaders, with the relict mountain biota giving us a good idea of what the Glaciated climate conditions have predominated in North plant and communities were like across the state until America for more than 80 percent of the past 900,000 years. very recent times. During this time, the never-glaciated southeast region of North America, including all of North Carolina, was Geology and Geography occupied by -fir and northern hardwood forest. A tree While a number of southeastern states have portions of the line probably existed at the elevation where spruce-fir now unglaciated southern Appalachians within their political starts. The last tree line and alpine meadow vegetation borders, only in southwestern and western North disappeared from the South only about 12,000 years ago. The Carolina does this cover extensive areas and

AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA | 121 North Carolina’s Mountain Region reach high elevations. This province is based mostly on pre- > Rhododendron-alder: mountain balds has remained stable, both in species composition and relative crystalline gneisses and schists and covers about 12 > Red : chiefly between 1,219 and 1,524 m (4,000 and dominance of species. The combination of extensive National percent of the state (ca. 15,539 km² [6,000 square miles]), and 5,000 feet) , National Parks, wilderness areas, State Parks, and the all or a significant portion of 17 of North Carolina’s counties. provides a mosaic of protected habitats, > American chestnut–black oak: chiefly between 762 and South of the Roanoke this physiographic province which in turn creates a landscape for a wide variety of 1,524 m (2,500 and 5,000 feet), with chestnut no longer a shifts from a narrow, high ridge to a broad, steep-sided breeding birds. The various land management techniques on dominant tree plateau covered with ridges, knobs, and scattered mountains. these allows for a continuum of successional > White oak–southern red oak: fertile soils below 914 m Elevations on the plateau generally range from 610 to 762 m communities and ecotonal communities. The parkway (3,000 feet) (2,000 to 2,500 feet), and across the plateau are a series of provides linear and easily accessible habitats for edge and transverse ridges with some of the highest elevations in > River birch–American sycamore: flood early-successional species across a wide range of elevations, eastern North America. There are over 200 named mountains > Black –alder: stream borders while forestry practices provide extensive areas of early- and that exceed 1,524 m (5,000 feet) and nearly 50 that exceed > Red maple–: climax community below 1,676 m midsuccession plant communities in the national forest. 1,829 m (6,000 feet). Mt. Mitchell, at 2,037 m (6,684 feet), is (5,500 feet) on fertile soils. The removal of grazing rights on National Forest land in the the highest point east of the . Mean annual > Black jack oak–post oak: sterile soils eastern had a dramatic effect on the vegetation temperature drops about two to three degrees for every of most of our forested public lands. For the most part this increase of 305 m (1,000 feet) of elevation. This is Characteristic breeding birds of these forests and ones that are should be viewed as a good decision for conservation, but, accompanied by an increase in precipitation. Thus, 305 m primarily restricted to the mountains at our latitude include compared to lands along the Blue Ridge where grazing (1,000 feet) of elevation is equivalent to about two hundred to Broad-winged Hawk, , Black-billed Cuckoo, continues, it is clear that a number of communities and rare two hundred and fifty miles of similar climatic change in Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Alder, Willow and Least species, including some birds, benefit from allowing grazing latitude. The average July temperatures for Mt. Mitchell are Flycatchers, Common Raven, , Blue-headed , on public lands. Old-growth forest and virgin forest occur in 59°F and for January 28°F. The variation in perception is Warbling Vireo, Golden-winged Warbler, Chestnut-sided the parkway are good for observing breeding-season birds, patches in a number of gorges, coves, and wilderness areas. more complex. Higher areas are generally wetter, but areas of Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler (also in spruce-fir), and linked to the parkway are a number of the Important While these latter forest types are fragmented, they do fog, condensation, rain, and rain shadow vary, and slope Cerulean Warbler, Swainson’s Warbler, Scarlet , Bird Areas discussed here (, Mt. provide glimpses into the composition of the precolonial avian exposure results in differential drying. Some areas get as little Rose-breasted Grosbeak, and Vesper Sparrow. Mitchell, Bull Creek, and Chimney Rock, for example). The community. To some degree, where original forest or old- as 102 cm (40 inches) of precipitation. These climatic parkway terminates near the entrance for the Smoky Within these forests are several subcommunities that are growth forests persist, species that are now regarded as high- conditions result in avifauna that contrast sharply from what Mountain National Park. For people not familiar with the important to various assemblages of mountain birds. These elevation specialists occur in densities that are similar to what is found in the Piedmont and coastal plain of the region, traveling the length of the parkway with side include hemlock stands, cove hardwoods, and mountain bogs. they are in high-elevation spruce-fir forests. This suggests that southeast, with considerable variation within the province. excursions to various Important Bird Areas would provide an In many cases these communities support fauna that are more prior to logging these species had much broader distributions The Appalachians is one of the oldest mountain ranges on excellent introduction to the region’s biotic communities and characteristic of those found at higher elevations. and occurred in a wider variety of habitats than they do today, earth and the actual topography of the region has not changed bird life. From a bird-watching perspective, this route is not with many “high-elevation” species breeding as low at 610 m since early Pleistocene (although a number of the river Boreal Forest: recommended during the fall because of the large number of Boreal spruce-fir forests are found above 1,524 (2,000 feet) in old-growth communities. systems in existence today flow differently than they did even m (5,000 feet) on cold mountain summits in the extreme parkway visitors coming to see fall colors. The only habitats 15,000 years ago). western portion of the state. The characteristic flora consist of not represented in this 241-mile north-to-south transect (the Historically and presently most of the land clearing has been Birds and Habitats Fraser’s fir, red spruce, mountain ash, mountain rosebay, and a North Carolina stretch) are the ancient-growth forest of Joyce in mountain valleys. Here, open areas cleared for agriculture, Kilmer and some of the mountain habitats, best golf courses, and similar uses provide habitat for a number of The mountain region supports two major upland dense, damp ground cover dominated by mountain fern moss represented by the New River Flood Plain. species that would not be expected in the region. The clearing communities, but these communities vary considerably in soil and common wood sorrel. of land and subsequent succession, which is often held in type, moisture, exposure, and the timing and extent of human The 19 Important Bird Areas in the mountain region contain Characteristic breeding birds which at our latitude are species check by current land use, has allowed at least 20 breeding disturbance. The transition zones between these forest types representative habitats of all the key natural communities of restricted to the mountains include Northern Saw-whet Owl, species to invade the region. These are all species that were are normally narrow. the region. They also support breeding populations of all the Olive-sided Flycatcher, Black-capped Chickadee, Red- not present 100 years ago. At the same time only seven species indigenous to the region, with a concentration among Upland Mesophytic Forest: Various seral stages of the middle- breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Winter Wren, Golden- montane species have exhibited declines in their current high-elevation communities. Important populations of all the latitude deciduous forest occur throughout most of the state crowned Kinglet, Hermit , Warbler, distribution within the region. Thus, the faunal diversity is mountain specialties breed in the various Important Bird up to elevations of nearly 1,829 m (6,000 feet). The following Blackburnian Warbler, , Dark-eyed Junco, much higher today than in historical times. This gives an Areas. plant associations dominate in subcommunities that occur in Red Crossbill, and Siskin. inflated impression that all is well with the avian community North Carolina’s mountains. Typically a subcanopy of trees, Visiting the Area Historical Perspectives and that conditions are actually improving. This is not the shrubs, and shade-tolerant herbs exists. Extreme variation in The North Carolina portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway Much of the present-day distributions of breeding birds are a case. Many of the recent arrivals are “weed” species, species the appearance of the community results from local bisects a good representative cross-section of the high and direct result of human activities. A number of factors are dependent on human activities or structures. In all cases this differences in elevation, soil fertility, and maturity of forest. middle elevations of the region. The various overlooks along responsible. In large, relatively undisturbed tracts the avifauna increase in diversity is a result of loss of natural habitats, and

122 | AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA | 123 North Carolina’s Mountain Region the creation of artificial ones at the expense of our indigenous conducted, and while the impact on the bird life is unknown, expected to occur in in the next ranging “northern” birds. They include Appalachian Ruffed fauna. the effect on Cerulean Warblers and other mid- and upper- decade, this situation requires diligence and oversight. Grouse, Appalachian Black-capped Chickadee, Southern canopy hardwood dependent species must have been Audubon North Carolina has been very active in the wind Brown Creeper, Appalachian Bewick’s Wren, Southern Present-Day Threats considerable. energy debate and will continue to participate. Winter Wren, Mountain Blue-headed Vireo, Wayne’s Black- Natural communities on floodplains of major and secondary throated Green Warbler (also with a disjunct population on , and other low alluvial areas have suffered the greatest The loss of mature hemlocks from the landscape was Current conservation plans for the most part are not taking the outer coastal plain), Cairn’s Black-throated Blue Warbler, loss through development. Terraces of low-order streams are pronounced during the late 1800s and early 1900s because the into consideration long-term issues such as fragmentation of a sibling species of the Red Crossbill, Carolina Dark-eyed the major corridors of roads resulting in the loss of wetlands bark of this tree was extremely important to the tanning the landscape, restoration of habitats, or the need for tracts of Junco, and a genetically distinct, but yet unnamed, population and riparian habitats found on these terraces. The industry. Mature stands of these trees provide habitat for old-growth forest (minimum 275 years) and have focused of the Northern Saw-whet Owl. construction of a vast system by the Tennesee Valley many species of birds that are dependent on old-growth or mostly on single-species recovery efforts. While the Authority resulted in the flooding of large sections of lowland high-elevation forests. If the stands that persist today had symptoms of the problems such as decline of specific species Our knowledge of the birds of the region is not complete. A habitats. This was accomplished before any specific been allowed to achieve maximum size and age (hemlock is are being addressed, the issues that drive these symptoms are number of species occur occasionally in the mountains of information could be gathered on the natural communities one of the longest-lived trees of the region) many coniferous not being corrected. North Carolina that probably represent isolated breeding that these lands supported. Mountain bogs are the rarest of species (Blackburnian Warblers, Golden-crowned Kinglets, birds. Yet breeding is often not suspected and frequency of Other Influences and Issues for Management wetland habitats in the southeastern United States, due to the and Red-breasted Nuthatches, to name a few) would have occurrence not documented. It took nearly two decades to The role of Native Americans in the region’s landscape is not effects of road construction following stream terrace corridors, been able to expand their currently restricted distributions document the breeding of hermit thrushes in our mountains clear. We know that pre-Columbian peoples were responsible flooding for , and direct drainage of small isolated back into low- and mid-elevation forests, but the arrival of the despite numerous summer reports. Recent reports for for the removal of much of the mammalian megafauna. This wetlands. Christmas tree farms cover vast acreages on lower hemlock wooly adelgid has eliminated that possibility. Now in breeding season records of Swainson’s Thrush, Virginia , fauna included a wide variety of browsers and grazers that and mid-elevation slopes. The extent to which these tree most areas of the mountain region, hemlock is dying off at Yellow-rumped Warbler, and others require further must have had a major impact on various plant communities. farms are used by native communities is unclear. alarming rates and none seem immune to the destruction. investigation and monitoring. We also know that Native Americans used fire as a means of Aggressive eradication and maintenance efforts are under way, The Brown-headed Cowbird is a species that only recently game management and this too must have altered the In addition to the breeding birds of the region the southern but with limited success. invaded the region. This nest parasite is not a factor in large landscape. The colonial period and the Appalachians is a major flyway for fall migrant landbirds, forested blocks or old growth, but it is common in fragmented Various human-made structures (communication towers, preceded documentation of the bird life of the region so it is with the migrant waves often following ridge tops. Autumn and early-succession landscapes. To what degree it influences wind turbines, etc.), particularly those constructed on or near not clear what elements of the indigenous fauna remained or hawk migration is also pronounced along the ridge tops, and population dynamics of breeding birds in the southern ridge tops, are known to intercept large numbers of fall how it was distributed prior to forest clearing. The forests of because of their diurnal migration behavior hawk watching Appalachians is unknown, but its impacts for some species migrant . While this phenomenon has not been the southern Appalachians were all but eliminated by the has become a popular pastime at a number of well-known must be considerable. Natural canopy gaps caused by minor monitored in the mountains, information obtained in the 1800s, with only fragments of what could be considered mountain sites. wind throw or hurricanes do not appear to provide inroads for Piedmont and coastal plain of North Carolina suggests that natural landscapes. It was in this fragmented landscape that A number of conservation-oriented programs have been nest predators and nest parasites such as cowbirds, but loss of migrants in the mountains is even higher, due to the we obtained our first glimpses of the ornithology of the suggested. The most promising include the restoration of artificial, abrupt edges often have twice the nest loss. elevation of the landscape and the extent of nocturnal region. Many of the present-day efforts directed toward specific habitat types, such as spruce-fir forest, mountain songbird migration through the southern Appalachians. With conservation and management for our avian community are Past land use consisted of logging and general clearing of bogs, and balds. Less impressive are single-species efforts the aggressive growth of wind energy generation projects based on misconceptions from the postfrontier period. lowlands. A surge of real-estate demand for mountainside where land management for certain birds would be at the second homes, and an increase in the Christmas tree industry The loss of grazing , for example, clearly affected expense of other indigenous species. For example, recent is resulting in loss of forested lands. understory composition and key habitats such as bogs and efforts to enhance populations of Golden-winged Warblers mountain balds. With the major browsing and grazing species have suggested removal of forest to promote the early stages The balsam woolly adelgid was accidentally introduced to the removed by Native Americans, and secondary ones eliminated of succession required by this wood warbler. While this would United States and spread to the Mt. Mitchell area by the late by Europeans, we can expect habitats were permanently be an interesting experiment in management, there is little 1950s. They are now present in almost all fir stands in the altered. This in turn affected natural fire suppression. Land indication that Golden-winged Warblers have decreased in southern Blue Ridge. By the 1970s acid rain and other clearing probably buffered this shift for some community the region (at least compared to the prelumbering period) or pollutants began affecting the red spruce in our region. This types, and subsequent grazing by domestic animals probably that making saturated populations is a desirable or obtainable combination has had a devastating effect on many spruce-fir also played a key role in keeping the landscape open. This has goal. More important, a majority of territories for this species forests and secondary impacts on the bird communities. The now changed; livestock is now contained and occurs in far currently occur on private lands. An effort to learn how to American chestnut, which once made up about 40 percent of lower numbers than even half a century ago. best maintain these private lands habitats for Golden-winged the hardwood forest of the southern Appalachians, was Warblers and other early-successional species that are infected with a blight that caused the complete disappearance There are 11 endemic taxa of breeding birds in the southern underrepresented in the region would seem more appropriate of this species as an important component of our forest before Appalachians and many achieve their highest densities and than the removal of existing forest on public lands. the mid-1900s. The chestnut disappeared before any broadest range of geographic occurrence in North Carolina’s systematic studies on the bird life of the region could be mountains. These endemics are mostly of wider

124 | AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA | 125 Amphibolite Mountains Black Mountains –

Location: Ashe and Watauga Counties Location: Buncombe and Yancey Counties

Total Size: 36,647.3 ha (90,557.5 acres) Total Size: 40,215.8 ha (99,375.3 acres)

Site Description: The Amphibolites are a series of mountains Site Description: The Black and Great Craggy Mountains composed of amphibolite gneiss; they include the Peak, Bluff, Birds: This site supports significant populations of neotropical Important Bird Area is located northeast of Asheville. This Conservation Issues: Acid rain threatens many of the high- Rich and Snake Mountains, Mt. Jefferson, Phoenix migrant songbirds, species of conservation concern, and site includes primarily high-elevation forests above 1,373 m elevation spruce-fir forests ( Abies fraseri and Picea rubens ), Mountain, Three Top, and Knob. Peak elevations are watchlist species. The site supports the largest concentration (4,505 feet). The key feature in this Important Bird Area is weakening the trees and making them susceptible to disease about 1,525 m (5,003 feet) for most of the mountain tops; of Vesper Sparrows in North Carolina. A remnant stand of Mt. Mitchell, which, at 2,039 m (6,690 feet), is the highest and pests such as the balsam wooly adelgid ( Adelges piceae ). Snake Mountain reaches 1,697 m (5,566 feet) at its highest spruce forest (Picea rubens) supports Northern Saw-whet point in the . Six peaks within the Black Air quality is also likely impacting calcium uptake as in other point. The area also includes the State Significant Natural Owl, Magnolia Warbler, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Mountains have elevations over 1,830 m (6,004 feet). The high-elevation areas. Changes in the forest caused by acid rain Area of Long Hope Valley, lying between Elk Knob and the Golden-crowned Kinglet and is an excellent example of this highest point in the Craggies is Craggy Dome at 1,856 m and infestation has resulted in the disappearance of Peak. habitat type (Criterion NC4). Golden-winged Warblers and (6,089 feet). The site is one of the most significant examples species (Black-throated Green, e.g.) from some areas, and their hybrids (and a recent second breeding season record of of high-elevation forest and natural communities in the possibly increases in others (Hermit Thrush). Habitats: Northern hardwood forest, xeric oak forest, mixed Blue-winged Warbler) occur here in the western drainages of southern Appalachians. mesophytic forest, grassy balds, mountain bogs, spruce forest. Birds: Watauga and Ashe Counties. This site was recently This site includes a great diversity of birds associated Habitats: Northern hardwood forest, mountain bald, rich cove with high-elevation forests. Ninety-one species of nesting Land Use: Conservation, recreation, hunting, fishing, recognized as a Globally Significant Important Bird Area for forest, hemlock forest, montane oak-hickory forest, mountain birds have been recorded. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern residential development, grazing, and Christmas tree Golden-winged Warblers. cliff, spruce-fir forest. Saw-whet Owl, and Alder Flycatcher are significant species at production. Monitoring and Research: Portions of this Important Bird the site. This is one of the few places where Hermit Thrushes Land Use: Conservation, water supply, recreation and , Primary Threats: Water quality, logging, and residential and Area fall in three Christmas Bird Count circles (Mt. occur during the breeding season. In 2007, multiple individual hunting, fishing. commercial development on private lands, loss of early- Jefferson, New River, Grandfather Mountain). Data from Elk singing Swainson’s Thrushes were discovered and were again successional habitats. Knob State Park and Mount Jefferson State Natural Area are Primary Threats: Air pollution, introduced disease and pests, present in 2008 and 2009. The high-elevation forests and included in the North Carolina State Parks Natural Resource deforestation and tree cutting, residential and commercial balds are significant and represent a classic high-elevation Protection Status: The site includes Mt. Jefferson State Inventory Database. Audubon North Carolina established development on private lands. assemblage of birds (Criterion NC4). Natural Area, , and tracts on Paddy and point counts in 2005 and continues to expand the number of Monitoring and Research: Bluff Mountains protected by The Nature Conservancy. The these permanent points, now including locations on Rich Protection Status: Portions of the Important Bird Area are An Adopt an Important Bird Area North Carolina Plant Conservation Network also has Mountain, Elk Knob, Snake Mountain, Long Hope Valley, within the , Pisgah Game Lands, Mt. program is in place within this site, with point counts, spring significant holdings in the range. A significant portion of the and lowland portions of the Important Bird Area. A long- Mitchell State Park, (Blue Ridge bird counts, and other surveys conducted by the Elisha land is in private ownership (over 90 percent). term research project on the Golden-winged Warbler is also Parkway), and private ownership. The state and federal lands Mitchell Audubon Society and Carolina Field Birders continuing. are afforded at least some degree of protection. beginning in 2006. Mt. Mitchell State Parks records are Conservation Issues: Loss of important habitats to residential included in the State Parks Natural Resource Inventory or commercial development is a key issue. Reforestation of Database. agricultural areas will result in declines of some high-priority Key Bird Species species, such as Golden-winged Warbler. Criterion Species Season Number Year 1 Northern Saw-whet Owl B 10 2007 3a Blue-headed Vireo B 96 2007 Key Bird Species 3a Common Raven all 15 2007 2a Red-breasted Nuthatch all 62 2007 Criterion Species Season Number Year 2a Brown Creeper all 12 2006 1 Northern Saw-whet Owl B 20 2007 2a Winter Wren B 66 2007 2a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker B 25 2006 2a Golden-crowned Kinglet all 234 2007 3a Least Flycatcher B 27 2008 3a Swainson’s Thrush B 5 2007 2b Veery B 55 2008 2a Hermit Thrush B 19 2007 2a Golden-winged Warbler B 65 2009 2b Black-throated Blue Warbler B 69 2007 2b Chestnut-sided Warbler B 93 2008 2b Blackburnian Warbler B 49 2006 2a Magnolia Warbler B 10 2008 2a Black-throated Green Warbler B 98 2007 3a Rose-breasted Grosbeak B 35 2008 2b Canada Warbler B 76 2007 2b Field Sparrow B 58 2008 2a Red Crossbill B, W 18 2006 2a Vesper Sparrow B 38 2008 3f raptors FM 3,600–9,000 — B = breeding B = breeding; FM = fall migration; W = winter

126 | AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA | 127 Blue Ridge Escarpment Gorges Bull Creek

Location: Transylvania and Jackson Counties Location: Buncombe

Total Size: 7,627.9 ha (18,848.9 acres) Total Size: 2,025.2 ha (5,004.2 acres)

Site Description: This site extends from the to Site Description: This site includes an 8.4 km (5.2 mile) the Whitewater River and includes the Protection Status: More than 4,000 ha (9,884 acres) of this section of the Blue Ridge Parkway from about Lane Pinnacle Birds: This site supports one of North Carolina’s most and the Thompson River east of . These rivers Important Bird Area are in state and federal ownership. Overlook (milepost 372.1) to Craven Gap (milepost 377.3). significant populations of Cerulean Warblers. The species has descend rapidly through steep gorges over a few miles, from Portions are within the Nantahala National Forest, Pisgah The elevation varies from about 945 m (3,100 feet) along the been documented between Craven Gap and Lane Pinnacle an elevation of 915 to 366 m (3,002 to 1,201 feet). Like many National Forest, Nantahala Game Land, Toxaway Game parkway to about 1,160 m (3,806 feet) on the upper slopes of Overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway for at least 20 years. other similar areas in the North Carolina mountains, much of Land, , and land in private ownership. Swan Mountain and Bull Mountain. Public access to the area The first record of ceruleans at this site was published in The the area was logged decades ago. Some xeric ridges contain Efforts are under way to acquire additional private lands for is available along the parkway and one can stop at any of Chat in 1983 (vol. 48, p. 101). The population appears to be pine stands, but most uplands are dominated by second- conservation. More surveys of landbirds during breeding several overlooks. The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most stable or increasing. Numerous other neotropical species breed growth oak-hickory forests with dense understories of season, migration periods, and winter are needed. popular National Parks in the United States with more than 3 here as well, including many priority neotropical species, and rhododendron and mountain laurel. million visitors annually. the site is especially good for Blackburnian Warbler. Birds: The site probably supports the largest population of Habitats: Cove hardwood forests, oak forests, and coniferous Swainson’s Warblers in North Carolina and significant Habitats: Mixed hardwoods dominated by tulip poplar Monitoring and Research: An Adopt an Important Bird Area forests, mixed forests. populations of Worm-eating, Black-throated Green, and ( ), oak ( Quercus spp. ), hickory ( Carya program is in place with Audubon Society. A Black-and-white Warblers. The cove hardwood forests spp .), and locust ( Robinia pseudo-acacia ). volunteer, Charlotte Goedsche, has been monitoring this Land Use: Recreation and tourism and conservation. support a significant diversity and abundance of birds population of Cerulean Warblers since 2000. In 2006, she Land Use: Conservation, recreation. Primary Threats: Residential and commercial development on associated with this habitat type (Criterion NC4). began using individual recording and analysis to determine private lands, damming, poaching, erosion. Primary Threats: territory boundaries. Audubon North Carolina also Monitoring and Research: Gorges State Park records are Logging, residential and commercial established point count locations within the Important Bird entered into the North Carolina Division of State Parks development on private lands. Conservation Issues: Off-road vehicle usage and disturbance Area in 2006. This area is included in a portion of a Breeding Natural Resource Inventory Database, including the 2000 of sensitive areas are primary concerns. Protection Status: The section of this site along the Blue Bird Survey route and the Buncombe County Christmas Bird initial survey by State Parks and the North Carolina Natural Ridge Parkway is protected by the National Park Service. Count circle. Heritage Program. Private lands are also included in this Important Bird Area.

Conservation Issues: Loss of important habitats to logging and residential or commercial development is a primary threat and key issue. Permanent protection of tracts not currently protected should be a priority. Surveys for Cerulean Warblers should be continued and expanded away from the Blue Ridge Parkway to better determine the extent of habitat occupied by this population.

Key Bird Species Key Bird Species

Criterion Species Season Number Year Criterion Species Season Number Year 2a Black-throated Green Warbler B 35+ 2000 1 Cerulean Warbler B 17 2007 2b Worm-eating Warbler B 25+ 2000 2b Blackburnian Warbler B 20 2006 2b B 27+ 2000 2b Hooded Warbler B 28 2007 B = breeding B = breeding

128 | AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA | 129 Bullhead Mountain–Mahogany Rock Chimney Rock–Hickorynut Gorge

Location: Alleghany and Wilkes Counties Location: Rutherford and Henderson Counties

Total Size: 1,472.1 ha (3,637.7 acres) Total Size: 5,873.2 ha (14,513.1 acres)

Site Description: The Bullhead Mountain–Mahogany Rock Site Description: Chimney Rock and Hickorynut Gorge are Important Bird Area runs along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Conservation Issues: Lower elevations remain in private located about 40 km (25 miles) southeast of Asheville, near Protection Status: Chimney Rock Park, a heavily visited Alleghany and Wilkes Counties. Elevations range from 425 ownership. Some have been cleared and replanted in . the village of Bat Cave. The site sits on the Blue Ridge tourist attraction, was acquired by the North Carolina State to 1,190 m (1,394–3,904 feet). The highest point is the peak Cell-phone towers have been proposed in previous years, but Escarpment, which separates the from the Park system in 2007. In addition, the World’s Edge tract has of Bullhead Mountain, which is one of the most prominent were defeated due to local opposition. Surveys of landbirds mountains. Key features of this site are Chimney Rock, a 92 recently been acquired by the state for inclusion in the park. landscape features in this region of the state. The Mahogany during the breeding season, migration periods, and winter are m (302 feet) monolith that rises above the gorge. Hickorynut The Nature Conservancy maintains Bat Cave as a preserve. Rock overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway, located at needed. Gorge rises about 425 m (1,394 feet) above the . The Broad River Watershed Protection Committee is milepost 234, has been one of North Carolina’s most popular The mountain cliffs at Chimney Rock rise abruptly from an working to secure buffer zones and conservation easements Birds: The mountain ridges, beginning at Bullhead Mountain hawk-watching sites for more than three decades. elevation of 305 m (1,001 feet) to nearly 915 m (3,002 feet). along the Broad River watershed. Much of the Pool Creek and continuing southwest, serve as a significant migration Area, although privately owned, is also maintained as a Habitats: Hardwood forest, mixed forest, cove hardwood corridor for raptors. Spring and fall migration counts have Habitats: Northern hardwood forest, mixed forest, cove natural area. forest. been undertaken for more than a decade and will continue. A hardwood forest, rocky cliff, riparian, lake. Kirtland’s Warbler was sighted on Bullhead Mountain in Birds: The site supports a great diversity of mid-elevation Land Use: Conservation, recreation and tourism, residential Land Use: Recreation and tourism, wildlife conservation, 1999 and a was observed in 2001, both of forest birds. Eighteen species of warblers, including Cerulean development. forestry, residential development. which are extremely rare in North Carolina. Warbler, are known to breed within the site, and others are Primary Threats: Residential and commercial development on Primary Threats: common during migration. This is one of the few places Monitoring and Research: Annual spring and fall raptor Residential and commercial development, private land. where Peregrine Falcons can be found nesting in North migration counts are conducted at adjacent Mahogany Rock, recreational development and overuse, soil erosion and degradation, introduced plants. Carolina. Protection Status: Most of the site is in state or federal with some spring counts occurring on Bullhead itself. ownership and is protected. Bullhead Mountain was recently Conservation Issues: Residential and commercial Monitoring and Research: Now that Chimney Rock is part of acquired and is now part of State Park. The development on private land is the key issue that could result the North Carolina State Parks system, bird data will be Mahogany Rock area is on the Blue Ridge Parkway and is in the loss of habitat. Additional surveys of landbirds during entered into the State Parks Natural Resource Inventory protected and managed by the National Park Service. breeding season, migration periods, and winter are needed. Database. Original survey work with birds has been done by Simon Thompson, who produced a checklist (last updated in 2007). More quantitative surveys are needed on state lands as well as other portions of the Important Bird Area. nesting is monitored by North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

Key Bird Species Key Bird Species

Criterion Species Season Number Criterion Species Season Number Year 3f migrating raptors FM 2,943–6,531 1 Peregrine Falcon B 1 pr. 2009 Turkey Vulture FM 274–786 2a Black-throated Green Warbler B 25 2007 Black Vulture FM 104–245 B = breeding Broad-winged Hawk FM 2,292–5,333 Sharp-shinned Hawk FM 85–203 Cooper’s Hawk FM 34–72 FM = fall migration “Number” represents the range of annual totals for the period 2003–8, as reported at the Hawk Migration Association of North America web site (http://hawkcount.org).

130 | AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA | 131 Grandfather Mountain National Park

Location: Avery, Caldwell, and Watauga Counties Location: Haywood and Swain Counties

Total Size: 5,130.9 ha (12,678.8 acres) Total Size: 118,625.5 ha (293,129.9 acres)

Site Description: The rugged peaks and profile of Grandfather Site Description: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Mountain are among the most recognized landmarks in Birds: The diversity of breeding birds at this site (coupled located on the border of North Carolina and . The Conservation Issues: The combination of air pollution and western North Carolina. Located near the town of Blowing with surrounding lowlands) is probably the highest of any site park was established in 1934 and encompasses more than exotic insect infestations threaten the spruce-fir forests. Rock, the ancient peaks of Grandfather are the highest in the in North Carolina and probably the second-highest in the 200,000 ha (494,211 acres) of contiguous and relatively Introduced plants and animals have caused significant Blue Ridge. Calloway Peak reaches an elevation of 1,819 m United States. At least 118 breeding season species have been undisturbed forest in both states, making it the largest such changes in habitat. (5,968 feet) and several other prominences have elevations recorded and others are expected. The site is significant for forest in the eastern United States. Approximately one-fifth Birds: The park includes over 80 percent of the spruce-fir above 1,600 m (5,249 feet). The site has an exceptional species of conservation concern, such as Northern Saw-whet of the park comprises old-growth forest and represents the forest in the southern Appalachians and associated bird diversity of habitats, from rocky cliffs and balds to spruce-fir Owl, Peregrine Falcon, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Yellow- largest tract of old-growth forest in the southern species (Criterion NC4). The site likely holds the largest and cove forests, which support 60 rare plants and animals. bellied Sapsucker, Red-breasted Nuthatch, and Brown Appalachians. The diverse and expansive forest is one of the concentration of Northern Saw-whet Owls in the Southeast Creeper. It is one of North Carolina’s key sites for Northern world’s most significant temperate deciduous forests and has Habitats: Spruce-fir forest, northern hardwood forests, cove and a majority of the Black-capped Chickadees breeding in Saw-whet Owl. Significant spruce-fir forest exists on been designated an International Biosphere Reserve and hardwoods, balds, rocky cliff. the Blue Ridge. Grandfather Mountain and supports the suite of species World Heritage Site. Peak elevation is 2,026 m (6,647 feet) Land Use: Wildlife conservation, recreation and tourism, associated with this habitat type (Criterion NC4). on Clingman’s Dome. Monitoring and Research: The Discover Life in America second-home development. project has documented species and population estimates for Monitoring and Research: Audubon North Carolina Habitats: Spruce-fir forest, mountain bald, cove hardwood the park across taxa. It should be noted that the numbers Primary Threats: Air pollution (acid and mercury deposition), established point counts in 2004 and Grandfather Mountain forest, northern hardwood forest, mixed mesophytic forest. presented below are for the entire park and so include points introduced pests. staff conduct these on a regular basis. The National Park Land Use: Service conducts Northern Saw-whet Owl surveys, and the Conservation, recreation and tourism. outside North Carolina. Researchers are also looking at the Protection Status: The core of the site is protected as a new effects of mercury and other air pollutants on bird species Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation checks Primary Threats: Air pollution, natural pests and disease, State Park (2008). The Blue Ridge Parkway receives federal within the park. Bird monitoring also includes Monitoring Northern Saw-whet Owl nest boxes. The North Carolina introduced plants and animals, residential and commercial protection as a National Park, including Price Park and Avian Productivity and Survivorship banding and other Wildlife Resources Commission coordinates annual Peregrine development (outside park), recreational development, and Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. The site is buffered to the projects directed by the Appalachian Highlands Science and Falcon nest monitoring. An intensive four-year study of overuse. south by the Wilson Creek–Linville Gorge Important Bird Yellow-bellied Sapsucker ecology was conducted from 2003 Learning Center at Purchase Knob. Nests of Peregrine Falcon Area (Pisgah National Forest). until 2006 (North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and Protection Status: The site is in federal ownership and is are monitored in the park. Audubon North Carolina). Portions of a Breeding Bird protected and managed by the National Park Service. Conservation Issues: The key conservation issue is the loss of Survey Route (Linville) traverse this Important Bird Area, spruce-fir forest and hemlock cove forest due to invasive and the area is wholly contained within the Grandfather insect pests and acid rain. Mountain Christmas Bird Count circle.

Key Bird Species

Criterion Species Season Number Criterion Species Season Number 1 Peregrine Falcon B 2 2a Winter Wren all 2,640 2b Ruffed Grouse all 61 2b Northern Parula B 1,280 Key Bird Species 2a Black-billed Cuckoo B 20 2b Black-throated Blue Warbler B 3,112 Criterion Species Season Number Year 2b Acadian Flycatcher B 1,366 2b Blackburnian Warbler B 472 1 Peregrine Falcon B 1 pr. 2009 2a Olive-sided Flycatcher B 4 2a Black-throated Green Warbler B 6,907 1 Northern Saw-whet Owl all 4–8 prs. 2007 3a Blue-headed Vireo B 3,126 2b Worm-eating Warbler B 1,096 2a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker all 34 prs. 2009 2a Black-capped Chickadee all 839 2a Swainson’s Warbler B 30 2a Red-breasted Nuthatch all 19+ 2007 2a Red-breasted Nuthatch all 1,010 2b B 147 2a Winter Wren B 18+ 2007 2a Golden-crowned Kinglet all 1,378 2b Canada Warbler B 599 2a Golden-crowned Kinglet all 33+ 2007 2a Brown Creeper B 634 2b Hooded Warbler B 3,131 2a Hermit Thrush B 6 2009 2b B 1,167 3a Scarlet Tanager B 2,899 2a Magnolia Warbler B 3 2009 2a Hermit Thrush B 32 2a Red Crossbill all 61

B = breeding B = breeding “Number” represents maximum number detected on over 4,000 point counts made from 1996 to 1999 as part of the Discover Life in America project and available online at www.dlia.org/atbi/species/Animalia/Chordata/Aves/survey.shtml.

132 | AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA | 133 Highlands Plateau Joyce Kilmer–Slick Rock Wilderness

Location: Jackson and Macon Counties Location: Graham County

Total Area: 38,099.7 ha (94,146.4 acres) Total Size: 30,352.1 ha (75,001.5 acres)

Site Description: The Highlands Plateau is situated at the Site Description: The Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is the southernmost end of the Blue Ridge Mountain Range and Conservation Issues: Rapid growth is encroaching on natural largest single stand of virgin hardwood forest in the North Birds: . The site supports a significant diversity and abundance includes the towns of Highlands and Cashiers. The plateau areas, creating loss of habitat, fragmentation of forests, and Carolina mountains. The forest, which is surrounded by a of birds associated with cove and northern hardwood forest covers an area with a range in altitude from 915 to 1540 m introduction of edge species in formerly interior forests. In wilderness area, includes yellow pine ( Pinus spp. ), hemlock types (Criterion NC4). It is part of a large area of public lands (3,002–5,053 feet). Rivers to the west of the plateau, such as addition, air pollution, golf course run-off, and sedimentation (Tsuga canadensis ), sycamore ( Platanus occidentalis ), basswood that support an assemblage of birds typical of the southern the Cullasaja, flow to the River, while rivers to the of waterways are of concern. (Tilia spp. ), dogwood ( Cornus ), beech ( Fagus Appalachians. In particular, it gives insight into what regional south and east flow to the . The old-growth grandifolia ), and oak ( Quercus spp. ). Much of the forest avian communities looked like in the pre-Columbian period. Birds: The assemblage of bird species found here is more and virgin hemlock forest that once was widespread adjacent to Slickrock Creek and Little Santeelah Creek, while A number of “high-” and intermediate-elevation species occur typical of northern forests and many species are at the throughout the area has largely disappeared, but the area spectacular, was logged from 1915 to the early 1920s. Time at this site despite its modest elevation. At least 43 breeding southern limit of their range. The Highlands Plateau supports continues to support a rich and diverse assemblage of birds. and management have largely healed the scars from early species have been recorded. The site has a significant diversity a significant diversity and abundance of migratory landbirds logging. of neotropical migrant landbirds. Habitats: Mixed forest, deciduous forest, and coniferous and is one of North Carolina’s most important sites for forest, riparian, mountain cliff. species such as Blackburnian Warbler, Black-throated Blue Habitats: Old-growth cove hardwood forests, northern Monitoring and Research: Point counts are conducted within Warbler, Canada Warbler, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned hardwood forests, mixed forests (mostly hemlock), and the National Forest portion of the Important Bird Area. Land Use: Forestry, recreation and tourism, and suburban and Kinglet, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak (NC Criterion 4). mountain balds. Additional surveys of landbirds during breeding season, undeveloped areas. Peregrine Falcons were reintroduced to the area and nest on migration periods, and winter are needed. Land Use: Conservation, recreation, and tourism. Primary Threats: Residential and commercial development, the sheer cliffs of . , invasive pests, air pollution, drought. Primary Threat: Monitoring and research: The site includes the Highlands Air pollution. Protection Status: The site includes portions of the Nantahala Biological Station, where studies of birds and their habitats Protection Status: The site is in federal ownership, managed National Forest, Nantahala Game Lands, Chattooga Wild have been conducted since the 1940s. Repetitive plot studies by the United States Forest Service. and Scenic River, , and significant have been conducted since the 1950s. The Highlands Plateau Conservation Issues: private land holdings. Both The Nature Conservancy and the Audubon Society has adopted this Important Bird Area and Long-term consequences of air quality Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust have been active in acquiring conducts point counts established by Audubon North decline need to be monitored. land for conservation in the area. Carolina in 2006. The Highlands Christmas Bird Count circle and the Highlands Breeding Bird Survey route are located within this Important Bird Area. Point counts are conducted on Nantahala National Forest lands as part of the Region 8 bird-monitoring program. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission coordinates annual Peregrine Falcon nest monitoring.

Key Bird Species Key Bird Species Criterion Species Season Number Criterion Species Season Number Year 2a Ruffed Grouse all — 1 Peregrine Falcon B 1 pair 2009 3a Blue-headed Vireo B — 2a Red-breasted Nuthatch all 41 2006 2a Brown Creeper B — 2a Golden-crowned Kinglet all 28 2006 2a Winter Wren B — 2a Black-throated Green Warbler B 22 2009 2a Golden-crowned Kinglet B — 2b Hooded Warbler B 21 2009 2b Wood Thrush B — 2a Red Crossbill all 25 2009 2b Black-throated Blue Warbler B — B = breeding 2a Black-throated Green Warbler B — 2b Worm-eating Warbler B — 3a Rose-breasted Grosbeak B — 3a Scarlet Tanager B — B = breeding

134 | AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA | 135 Nantahala Mountains

Location: Haywood and Madison Counties Location: Macon, Clay, and Counties

Total Size: 2,145.8 ha (5,302.5 acres) Total Size: 54,621.2 ha (134,971.9 acres)

Site Description: The Max Patch region includes the Harmon Site Description: The Nantahala Mountains Important Bird Den and Hurricane Mountain roadless areas (just east of Birds: This area is little known for its birds, except for the Area extends from the –North Carolina line Conservation Issues: Much of the Nantahala National Forest ). Several grassy balds extend from Max Patch large numbers of Golden-wings that nest on the approach to northward to the northern boundary of Macon County and in this Important Bird Area has been logged in the past. northward to the roadless areas. Mixed the Max Patch area. Most of the large numbers of Golden- west to the Valley River Mountain–Tusquitee Mountain area. Additional surveys of landbirds during breeding season, forest, potential old-growth areas within the roadless areas wings are found on the slightly lower Hurricane and Meadow Many peaks exceed 1,525 m (5,003 feet) in elevation. migration periods, and winter are needed. and extensive early-succession habitats make this a diverse Fork Mountains to the south of Max Patch proper. Naked Habitats: Birds: site. The Southern Appalachian Forest Coalition includes the Place Mountain (an extension of Hurricane Mountain) is the Cove forest, mountain bald, and northern hardwood This is an excellent site for mid- to high-elevation birds area in its Bald Mountains Conservation Region. center of this population. Surveys in 2002 and again in 2009 forest. and probably one of the most important nesting areas for Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers in the Southern Appalachians. suggest a total population of 50 or more pairs, but much more Land Use: Habitats: Northern hardwood forest, mixed forest, grassy Conservation, hunting, and fishing. study is needed to determine densities in the area. Other Cove forests and northern hardwood forests are extensive and balds, and early-succession agricultural areas early-successional species are present as well, including Field Primary Threats: Logging, recreational and commercial support bird assemblages typical of these habitats (Criterion NC4). Other species that are common in the area include Land Use: Cattle grazing, recreation, forestry, and second- Sparrow, Least Flycatcher, Alder Flycatcher, and Chestnut- development on private lands. Ruffed Grouse, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Rose-breasted home development. sided Warbler. Protection Status: The Important Bird Area includes portions Grosbeak, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Winter Wren, , Primary Threats: Reforestation, residential and commercial Monitoring and Research: Members of the Carolina Field of Nantahala Game Lands, Nantahala National Forest, and Golden-crowned Kinglet, and Golden-winged Warbler. development on private lands. Birders (a local bird club), as well as some members of the privately owned land. Monitoring and Research: Elisha Mitchell Audubon Society, conduct annual spring Point counts are conducted Protection Status: Much of the area is included in Pisgah counts in the area and specifically track Golden-winged annually within the Nantahala National Forest. National Forest. The Appalachian passes through the Warbler numbers. Their data is being entered into the eBird area and across Max Patch Mountain itself. The lower system. Point counts are also conducted in the area managed sections, where most of the Golden-winged Warbler by the United States Forest Service. Audubon North Carolina population is found, is in private ownership. has also conducted Golden-winged Warbler surveys in the area as part of the larger Golden-winged Warbler Atlas Conservation Issues: As with most Golden-winged Warbler Project coordinated by the Cornell Laboratory of habitat, forest regeneration is a primary threat to the site. Ornithology. Housing has begun to develop in the private areas and the eventual decline of cattle grazing may allow reversion to forest over time. The United States Forest Service also actively manages the high-elevation areas with fire. More information is needed on burning schedules, extent and other factors to gauge the impacts to the birds in this Important Bird Area.

Key Bird Species Key Bird Species

Criterion Species Season Number Criterion Species Season Number 2a Alder Flycatcher B — 2a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker B — 3a Least Flycatcher B — 2a Red-breasted Nuthatch all — 2a Golden-winged Warbler B 25 prs. (2009) 2a Winter Wren B — 2b Chestnut-sided Warbler B — 2a Golden-crowned Kinglet all — 2b Black-throated Blue Warbler B — 2b Wood Thrush B — 2a Swainson’s Warbler B — 2a Golden-winged Warbler B — 3a Ovenbird B — 2b Black-throated Blue Warbler B — 2b Field Sparrow B — 3a Ovenbird B — 2a Vesper Sparrow B — 2b B — B = breeding 3a Rose-breasted Grosbeak B — B = breeding

136 | AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA | 137 New River Corridor Northern Escarpment

Location: Ashe and Alleghany Counties Location: Wilkes, Watauga, and Caldwell Counties

Total Size: 12,806.0 ha (31,644.2 acres) Total Size: 63,958.8 hectares (158,045.6 acres)

Site Description: The New River Corridor Important Bird Site Description: This site lies along the steep escarpment Area includes a relatively narrow floodplain and adjacent commercial development on and in close proximity to the areas that comprise the eastern edge of the Blue Ridge. that exceed 1,200 ha (2,965 acres). Some of them have slopes along the lower portions of the South Fork and North stream bank threaten habitat. The site has become very Ranging in elevation from about 1,220 m (4,003 feet) to as experienced significant declines in sales with the economic Fork of the New River in northwestern North Carolina. It is popular among recreationists, which has led to concern for low as 305 m (1,001 feet) in upper Wilkes County, this conditions at the time of this writing. Residential thought to be the oldest river system in North America and streamside habitats. diverse area supports piedmont and mountain species. Most development, apart from direct habitat change, is also one of the oldest in the world. Much of the area along the of the area is densely wooded. The area is under tremendous adversely affecting water quality. The area hosts many N.C. Birds: It supports a significant portion of the state populations river is highly modified by humans and has been converted to development pressure as there is little public land in the area, Outstanding Resource Waters. The hemlock adelgid is of breeding Warbling and Orioles. The agricultural fields in the past. Residential housing is quite with the exception of fragments of the Pisgah National Forest another threat to these watersheds, as is the spread of invasive riparian zone supports a significant number of Willow common. A narrow fringe of shrubs and trees between the in the community of Globe, N.C. plants following logging and development. Other issues Flycatchers and Yellow Warblers. The state’s first breeding river and farmland or housing remains, however, and this is include continuing timber harvesting as these areas reach record for Tree Swallow was found along the river around Habitats: Dry oak forest, cove hardwood forest, xeric pine, the area of primary significance for birds. marketable age, which can lead to erosion in this high-relief 1980. Orchard Oriole and Yellow-throated Vireo are found xeric hardwood, residential development, and agricultural terrain. Habitats: Riparian, agricultural, mixed forest, and river. on the site, as well as Golden-winged Warbler, Blue-winged lands (mostly grazing). Warbler, and Chestnut-sided Warbler. In all, over 100 Birds: Most of the area is forested and, given the range of Land Use: Conservation, recreation and tourism, agriculture, Land Use: Hunting and fishing, recreation, forestry, second- breeding species are present along the river, making it one of elevations, supports a diverse array of forest interior species, and residential development. home development, agriculture. the most diverse Important Bird Areas in the state. This area including Cerulean, Swainson’s, Worm-eating, , Primary Threats: Agriculture and conversion, recreational was recently recognized as a globally significant site for Primary Threats: Second-home development, resort Hooded, and Blackburnian Warblers and Northern Parula. It development, residential and commercial development. Golden-winged Warblers. development, timbering, water pollution, invasive species. also contains habitat for Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Red Crossbills, and populations of Dark-eyed Juncos and Red- Monitoring and Research: Audubon North Carolina Protection Status: Portions of the site are protected and Protection Status: Much of this Important Bird Area is breasted Nuthatches at lower-than-normal elevations (670 m established permanent point count locations along both the managed by the State of North Carolina as part of New River privately held. The southern end of the Important Bird Area [2,198 feet]). The base of the escarpment is also an important North and South Forks beginning in 2005 that are beins State Park and North Carolina Wildlife Resources is composed of small patches of Pisgah National Forest lands area for Whip-poor-wills and other nightjar species. Commission game lands. The South Fork of the New River continued by Adopt an Important Bird Area volunteers from and some North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has been designated a National Wild and Scenic River and a the Audubon Society of Forsyth County, including counts game land tracts (Mingo tract, Buffalo Cove, Big Ivy). Some Monitoring and Research: Audubon North Carolina and its State Wild and Scenic River. within . These data are entered into the development projects are placing significant tracts into partners conducted point count surveys at several locations State Parks Natural Resource Inventory Database. In conservation easement. throughout the Important Bird Area from 2004 to 2008. Conservation Issues: The clearing of vegetation down to the addition, Audubon North Carolina conducts regular Audubon North Carolina conducts annual monitoring of the stream bank for pasture, Christmas tree plantations, and monitoring of the known Golden-winged Warbler locations. Conservation Issues: Since a large portion of this Important primary Cerulean Warbler site on the Blue Ridge Parkway. croplands are significant concerns. Residential and Bird Area is privately owned, it has been under tremendous development pressure, with several large development projects

Key Bird Species

Criterion Species Season Number Year Key Bird Species 3a Willow Flycatcher B 21 2005-6 3a Eastern Kingbird B 58 2005-6 Criterion Species Season Number 2a Warbling Vireo B 2 2005-6 2b Whip-poor-will B 44 2b Yellow-throated Vireo B 45 2005-6 2b Acadian Flycatcher B 21 3a Tree Swallow B 80 2005-6 2b Wood Thrush B 61 2b Wood Thrush B 38 2005-6 2b Black-throated Blue Warbler B 21 2b Northern Parula B 46 2005-6 2a Black-throated Green Warbler B 73 2a Golden-winged Warbler B 27 2009 2b Worm-eating Warbler B 26 3a Yellow Warbler B 64 2005-6 3a Black-and-white Warbler B 49 2b Hooded Warbler B 42 2005-6 3a Ovenbird B 90 2b Field Sparrow B 50 2005-6 2b Hooded Warbler B 57 2a Bobolink B 8 2005-6 3a Scarlet Tanager B 42 3a B 68 2005-6 B = breeding B = breeding “Number” represents maximum singing males detected on point counts made from 2004 to 2008.

138 | AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA | 139 Plott and Roan Mountain

Location: Transylvania, Haywood, Jackson, Henderson, and Location: Mitchell County Buncombe Counties Total Size: 8,449.2 ha (20,878.4 acres) Total Size: 49,246.2 ha (121,690.0 acres) Site Description: Roan Mountain is located in Mitchell Site Description: The Plott and Great Balsam Mountains and areas. The site also includes County, near the Tennessee border. The peak of Roan rises Conservation Issues: Efforts are under way to maintain the stretch along the Blue Ridge Parkway near the towns of lands in private ownership. 1,917 m (6,289 feet) above sea level at Roan High Knob. balds through direct management to prevent these areas from Sylva, Brevard, and Waynesville. The site is significant for Roan is probably most recognized for its balds (high-elevation being overtaken by trees and shrubs. The Southern Conservation Issues: Much of the lower-elevation forest has high-elevation birds, including several Special Concern and grassy meadows) and for its rhododendron ( Rhododendron Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, The Nature been logged. Acid rain threatens many of the high-elevation watchlist species. The Important Bird Area consists of spruce- catawbiense ) “gardens,” but the site also includes significant Conservancy, and North Carolina State Parks are all actively spruce-fir forests, weakening the trees and making them fir and mixed spruce forests above 1,370 m (4,495 feet). stands of northern hardwoods and spruce-fir forests. Roan acquiring land in the Important Bird Area. A location in the susceptible to the balsam wooly adelgid and disease. Maximum elevation is 1,955 m (6,414 feet), at Richland Mountain’s aesthetic value was recognized as early as 1836 by southwestern corner of the Roan Mountain area is under Balsam. Additional features include steep and rugged slopes, Birds: The northern hardwoods and cove hardwoods provide Elisha Mitchell, who called it “the most beautiful of all the study for commercial-scale wind energy development, near bogs, and balds. excellent habitat for high-elevation species (Criterion NC4). high mountains,” and in 1841 by the pioneer botanist Asa the town of Spruce Pine. The site is a key area for species such as Northern Saw-whet Gray, who called it “without doubt, the most beautiful Habitats: Northern hardwood forest, cove hardwood forest, Birds: Roan Mountain has among the greatest diversity of Owl, Red Crossbill, Black-throated Blue Warbler, and Brown mountain east of the Rockies.” spruce-fir forest, heath balds, bogs. birds of any site in the North Carolina mountains. It is one of Creeper. It is also among the state’s most important sites for Habitats: Grassy balds, rhododendron thickets, northern North Carolina’s most important sites for Northern Saw- Land Use: Conservation, recreation, and privately owned Alder Flycatcher, Black-capped Chickadee, Common Raven, hardwood forest, and spruce-fir forest. whet Owls and one of the most significant sites in the lands. and Red-breasted Nuthatch. southern Appalachians for Magnolia Warbler. The site Land Use: Conservation, forestry, and recreation Primary Threats: Air pollution, logging, introduced pests, and Monitoring and Research: Spring counts are conducted by supports a significant diversity and abundance of birds residential and commercial development on private lands. Adopt an Important Bird Area participants, with the Elisha Primary Threats: Invasive pests, air pollution, reforestation and associated with spruce-fir forest, northern hardwood forest, Mitchell Audubon Society and Carolina Field Birders. The loss of bald habitats, and residential development. and mountain bald habitats (Criterion NC4). This Important Protection Status: Portions of the Important Bird Area are National Park Service conducts regular Northern Saw-whet Bird Area was recently designated a globally significant site within the Nantahala National Forest, Pisgah National Protection Status: Owl surveys. Much of Roan Mountain is within the for Golden-winged Warbler. Forest, Nantahala Game Lands, Pisgah Game Lands, and Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina and, on the National Park Service areas, and include the Tennessee side, and Roan Monitoring and Research: A migration banding station is Mountain State Park. Additional land has been purchased by established at Carver’s Gap. The Southern Appalachian The Nature Conservancy and the Southern Appalachians Highlands Conservancy regularly monitors the site. They are Key Bird Species Highlands Conservancy and transferred to the United States also working with Audubon North Carolina on restoration of Forest Service. Recently, North Carolina State Parks has Golden-winged Warblers and their habitats. Surveys for Criterion Species Season Number Year added the Little Yellow Mountain State Natural Area to its Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Golden-winged Warbler 1 Northern Saw-whet Owl all 1 2009 continue to be conducted. 1 Peregrine Falcon B 5 2007 holdings. The site also includes private lands. 2a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker B 30 2005 2a Alder Flycatcher B 14 2009 2a Black-capped Chickadee all 27 2007 Key Bird Species 2a Red-breasted Nuthatch all 31 2007 Criterion Species Season Number 2a Brown Creeper B 31 2008 1 Northern Saw-whet Owl all — 2a Winter Wren B 34 2006 2a Alder Flycatcher B — 2a Golden-crowned Kinglet all 163 2006 2a Brown Creeper all — 2b Wood Thrush B 20 2008 2a Winter Wren B — 2b Veery B 118 2009 2a Golden-crowned Kinglet all — 2a Hermit Thrush B 5 2008 2a Golden-winged Warbler B 26 2b Northern Parula B 27 2006 2b Chestnut-sided Warbler B — 2b Black-throated Blue Warbler B 141 2006 2a Magnolia Warbler B — 2b Blackburnian Warbler B 36 2006 2b Worm-eating Warbler B — 2a Black-throated Green Warbler B 100 2006 3a Ovenbird B — 2b Canada Warbler B 105 2006 2b Canada Warbler B — 2b Hooded Warbler B 36 2008 2b Hooded Warbler B 3a Rose-breasted Grosbeak B 47 2008 2a Red Crossbill all — B = breeding B = breeding

140 | AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA | 141 Stone Mountain–Doughton Park Wilson Creek–Linville Gorge

Location: Alleghany and Wilkes Counties Location: Avery, Caldwell, and Burke Counties

Total Size: 16,623.6 ha (41,077.7 acres) Total Size: 43,442.8 hectares (107,349.4 acres)

Site Description: The site runs along the Blue Ridge Parkway Site Description: Bordered by Grandfather Mountain on the in Alleghany and Wilkes Counties. Elevations range from Conservation Issues: Privately owned tracts should be north and the Black Mountains (including Mt. Mitchell) on North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Game 425 to 1,190 m (1,394–3,904 feet) along this part of the acquired for conservation. Additional surveys of landbirds the west, these steep, high-relief gorge areas support a diverse Lands, especially the Daniel Boone Bear Sanctuary area in escarpment. From the Blue Ridge Parkway it continues east during breeding season, migration periods, and winter are assemblage of breeding birds. The Linville Gorge area is a Wilson Creek Gorge. to Stone Mountain and southwest to the southern boundary needed. designated Wilderness Area. Three roadless areas (Wilson Conservation Issues: While the area is largely under public of Thurman-Chatham Game Lands. The area includes deep Creek, Lost Cove Cliffs, and Harpers Creek), include over Birds: The site supports species typical of mid-elevation ownership, concerns remain over multiple use, invasive plant cove forests, streams, cleared fields, habitats, and birds that are 12,140 ha (29,999 acres) of intact forest. Abundant water forests, including several watchlist species, and a significant species (especially following fire), and permanent protection typical of mid-elevation hardwood forests. resources add to the diversity of the area, and many concentration and diversity of landbirds. Much of the area is for wilderness study and designated roadless areas. Outstanding Resource Waters are contained in this IBA, as Habitats: Hardwood forest, mixed forest, steep and rocky unbroken hardwood and cove forests and supports the suite of well as several North Carolina Natural Heritage Program Birds: outcrops, hardwood cove forest, and numerous small streams. species typically associated with these habitats (Criterion This area supports a variety of high priority species. Its Significant Natural Areas. NC4). proximity to Grandfather Mountain also makes it key for Land Use: Conservation, recreation and tourism, hunting, seasonal movements of other higher-elevation species (for Habitats: Mixed mesophytic forest, cove hardwood, hemlock fishing. Monitoring and Research: Bird data from Stone Mountain example Northern Saw-whet Owls). Point count surveys of cove, and xeric oak-pine forests, with smaller components of State Park are entered into the State Parks Natural Resource the breeding birds in 2002 found more than 80 breeding- Primary Threats: Invasive species, residential and commercial cliff face, heath bald, bottomland forest (riverine), grassland, Inventory Database. The Thurman-Chatham Game Lands season species. Several species occur in higher relative development, timbering. and other early successional habitats. are monitored by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources numbers in Wilson Creek than in the mountain region overall Protection Status: Doughton Park is protected and managed Commission using a series of permanent point counts. Land use: Wildlife management, timbering, and recreation (Criterion NC4). Most of these are woodland species, as by the National Park Service. North Carolina State Parks (including off-road vehicle areas). would be expected: Broad-winged Hawk, several woodpecker manages Stone Mountain, and the North Carolina Wildlife species, Black-throated Green Warbler, Ovenbird, Hooded Primary Threats: Invasive species, disturbance to birds Resources Commission manages the Thurmond-Chatham Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Swainson’s Warbler, Scarlet (Peregrine Falcon), and water pollution. Game Lands. Isolated tracts within this Important Bird Area Tanager, and others. are privately owned and are not afforded protection. Protection Status: Most of this Important Bird Area is in Monitoring and Research: Audubon North Carolina federal ownership as part of the Pisgah National Forest. Some conducted the first comprehensive bird surveys in the region, inholdings occur, especially along Wilson Creek, from the and these continue to be monitored by Adopt an Important community of Edgemont to Mortimer, and along the ridge Bird Area volunteers from the High Country Audubon between Wilson Creek Gorge and Linville Gorge (the east Society. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission rim) that includes the community of Jonas Ridge. Much of conducts annual monitoring of Peregrine Falcons. the Wilson Creek and Linville Gorge area is also managed as

Key Bird Species

Criterion Species Season Number 2a B — 2b Ruffed Grouse all — Key Bird Species 2b Whip-poor-will B — 2b Acadian Flycatcher B — Criterion Species Season Number Year 3a Blue-headed Vireo B — 1 Peregrine Falcon B 2 prs. 2009 2b Wood Thrush B — 2b Acadian Flycatcher B 20 2003 2b Northern Parula B — 2b Wood Thrush B 44 2003 2b Black-throated Blue Warbler B — 2b Northern Parula B 12 2003 2a Black-throated Green Warbler B — 2b Black-throated Blue Warbler B 53 2003 2b Worm-eating Warbler B — 2a Black-throated Green Warbler B 147 2003 2a Swainson’s Warbler B — 2b Worm-eating Warbler B 34 2003 2b Louisiana Waterthrush B — 2b Canada Warbler B 16 2003 3a Scarlet Tanager B — 2b Hooded Warbler B 58 2003 2a Red Crossbill all — 2a Red Crossbill B 10 2003 B = breeding B = breeding

142 | AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA | 143 Yellow Creek–Cheoah Mountains Amphibolite Mountains Black Mountains–Great Craggy Mountains

Location: Swain County

Total Size: 35,015.6 hectares (86,525.3 acres)

Site Description: This rugged area of the Nantahala National Forest includes deep coves and valleys and mid- to high- roadside nesters, which in some areas include Cerulean elevation areas just east of Fontana Lake. The area boasts Warblers. The decrease in cutting on National Forest lands some of the best birding spots in the region, including the also likely reduces available Golden-winged Warbler habitat. well-known Stecoah Gap. A history of forest management, The area around Stecoah Gap will be impacted by road- coupled with private agricultural inholdings, has created a widening projects in the near future (Corridor K). The road mosaic of habitats that have supported populations of both construction may create additional Golden-winged Warbler Golden-winged Warblers and Cerulean Warblers. habitat, but possibly to the detriment of forest interior species. Recreational opportunities include motorbiking, the The hemlock woolly adelgid ( Adelges tsugae ) is severely , and visiting popular nearby areas (such as damaging riparian and cove forests in the area. Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Fontana Village, and Great Birds: This area of rich forest, high-relief topography, and Smoky Mountains National Park). active forest management creates a diversity of forest types. Habitats: Mixed forest, cove hardwood forest, early This mix of high-density areas suits both early-successional successional lands, and agricultural lands. species like Golden-winged Warbler, and Kentucky Warbler, as well as forest interior species like Cerulean Warbler, Land Use: Recreation, timbering, agriculture, and residential Swainson’s Warbler, and Northern Parula. During point development. counts in 2005–6, 59 breeding species were encountered. An Primary Threats: Invasive pests, invasive plant species, additional 15 species were recorded outside of point counts residential development. and some other priority species including Ruffed Grouse and Red Crossbill were noted. Although not a priority species, Protection Status: River and creek valleys tend to be in private Great Blue Herons were found to be nesting along an Blue Ridge Escarpment Gorges Bull Creek ownership. The Talulla Wetlands laboratory of Western impoundment of the in this area. Carolina University is located here. Much of the area is within the Nantahala National Forest. Monitoring and Research: Research on Golden-winged Warblers and Golden-winged Warbler Atlas Project surveys Conservation Issues: The area has become popular with has been conducted. Point counts are conducted within the motorcyclists from all over the country, who come to ride the Nantahala National Forest. In 2005 and 2009, the Nantahala winding roads around Fontana Lake. This impact on birds National Forest undertook Cerulean Warbler surveys. has not been measured, but the traffic would likely affect

Key Bird Species

Criterion Species Season Number Year 1 Cerulean Warbler B 30 2005 2a Golden-winged Warbler B 15 2007 2a Black-throated Green Warbler B 36 2007 B = breeding

144 | AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA | 145 Bullhead Mountain–Mahogany Rock Chimney Rock–Hickorynut Gorge Highlands Plateau Joyce Kilmer–Slick Rock Wilderness

Grandfather Mountain Great Smoky Mountains National Park Max Patch Nantahala Mountains

146 | AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA | 147 New River Corridor Northern Escarpment Stone Mountain–Doughton Park Wilson Creek–Linville Gorge

Plott and Great Balsam Mountains Roan Mountain Yellow Creek–Cheoah Mountains

148 | AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA AUDUBON NORTH CAROLINA – IMPORTANT BIRD AREAS OF NORTH CAROLINA | 149